We have almost exhausted all of the artist footage shot in Nashville for The Americana Conference. All that was left a couple of days ago were out takes and "B-Roll." So I had the bright idea of assembling the scraps, just to see what would come out the other end.
What you will see is a collection of footage that reflects the bus environment we marinated in for 3 solid days. I would imagine that anyone who is a fan of Americana music would be jealous. You should be. The collection of artistry and the electricity that they brought with them was nothing short of brilliant. Every time we go out to do this on the Celebrity Coach it's a unique trip. And every time we go, we try to make the bus the center piece of what Music Fog does. Nobody else has ever tried this. Lots of production people would tell you that the "bus" idea is less than optimum. But this is a reflection of the "how hard can it be" attitude that makes Music Fog work.
When I look at this video I can't wait for the next big event. The Musicfest at Steamboat is on the roster for the first week in January. And this time I promise to give the newest member of the crew (Chris) more camera time. He was just so elusive on the Nashville trip. If you look closely you will see him in the background looking like someone who doesn't want his wife to know where he is. Maybe that was the case. And if so, I understand. Who could ever tell their loved ones that they are going on the road with this Music Fog crew? It just doesn't make any sense. It's not a business model. It's way too much fun. And the money people leave in the guitar case outside the bus door all goes for booze.
Thankx in advance to the artists featured in this movie - they have no idea they are featured in it. And as always, a heartfelt thank you to Blake & everyone at Celebrity Coaches.
It is supposed to snow today in Austin TX. This concerns me as I sit in the airport, wondering if there will be an interminable delay. Snow in Austin is a very unusual occurrence, and because it happened last year, all bets were off that it would happen again this year. I mean once every five years is about right. So I hope I make it, because I have an appointment tonight.
Raul Malo, Latin Roots Crooner, is at Antone's, and opening for him is none other than Miss Ruby James! One sultry night, in the magical snow (?) and crystal frostiness of Austin! Ruby's new album Happy Now is being finalized, we should see it sometime soon. Here she is from our excursion to Nashville in September.
What a great visit to Nashville we had for the Americana Music Festival this past September. I love that we can barrel into a town known for the glitzy side of country music, and not even be phased by it. The last time I was there it was to work on a project that involved George Jones, and this time I was surrounded by top-notch Americana artists. The way I see it, I'm two-fer-two on Nashville trips!
Our sessions got a dose of Tennessee authenticity when Nashville's own Jonell Mosser stepped on board the Celebrity Coach. She brought her fun-loving, laid-back attitude, a huge smile, and couple of comfy songs. Some people watching the session cracked open a bottle of Jack, and Jonell busted out the Tennessee Blues. That's Tom Britt on guitar, and Jimmie Fadden from the NGDB on harp. Yes, this thing drips with authenticity.
